Month: August 2009

Four-time GRAMMY Award winner, ACM Entertainer of the Year, and reigning, three-time CMA and ACM Female Vocalist winner Carrie Underwood has clearly amassed not only the respect of the industry, but also the adulation of fans who are anxiously awaiting the arrival of her third album, which Carrie has titled Play On. This much anticipated third album follows combined sales of 10 Million on her first two projects Some Hearts and Carnival Ride.

Releasing November 3, Play On draws its title from the name of a song featured on the new album, but it’s certainly appropriate for the feelings of the countless fans who’ve come to love Carrie’s music over the past four years. Since the release of her debut album in 2005, Underwood has amassed sales of more than 10 million albums with Some Hearts and 2007’s Carnival Ride. Earlier this year she became the first country artist in history and the only American Idol winner ever to achieve 10 #1 singles from their first two albums.

Carrie is currently continuing work on Play On, once again teamed with producer Mark Bright, who helmed her Carnival Ride collection as well as seven tracks from Some Hearts.

Carrie Underwood’s new hometown foundation, the Checotah Animal, Town & School Foundation (C.A.T.S.) and the Academy of Country Music’s charitable arm, ACM Lifting Lives partnered to surprise students Friday in Checotah, Oklahoma with a gift valued at more than $117,000 in new instruments for their music programs—and a special appearance and performance by ACM Entertainer of the Year, Underwood.

Music students district-wide were invited to a special “last-minute” assembly at Checotah High School, with buses bringing Checotah Intermediate School and Checotah Middle School in for the occasion. Students and faculty alike were surprised when Checotah High Principal Brian Terry introduced Underwood to the stage, alongside Erin Spahn, Director of ACM Lifting Lives.

Spahn and Underwood then unveiled the gift, including an electric guitar and amp, electric piano and brass instruments such as saxophones, French horns, tubas and much more. The instruments will be shared throughout the Checotah school district, and were ordered through Yamaha Corporate Artist Affairs at a special philanthropic price.

During the presentation, Underwood asked 5th grader Kennedee Rittenhouse to join her onstage to perform “So Small,” a performance that brought the house down. Checotah High School senior Brooke Ramsey, student council president, presented Underwood and Spahn with a bouquet of roses to thank the organizations for the gift.

“We are so lucky as a school district and a town to have an ambassador like Carrie,” said Brian Terry, Principal of Checotah High School. “She was Valedictorian here and continues to be an outstanding citizen of Checotah. Today was a very special day for the students and faculty.”

“When Carrie came to us with this idea, it just seemed a natural fit,” said Erin Spahn, who met with Underwood earlier this summer to plan the gift. “The Board of ACM Lifting Lives liked the concept so well, we’ve decided to build on it. Every year, we will present a matching gift opportunity to the ACM Entertainer of the Year for any endeavor that uplifts through the power of music. Carrie started that ball rolling, and we’re really proud to be a part of this with her today.”

“I am so proud to have come from such a wonderful community that helped shape me as a person,” said Underwood, “and I can think of nothing better than to share the gift of music with the students in my hometown. It’s so great to be able to give back in a way that can truly better the lives of these kids and help create dreams and opportunities. I’d like to give a very special thanks to the Academy of Country Music’s ‘Lifting Lives’ for helping me make this dream come true.”

About the C.A.T.S. Foundation
Carrie Underwood announced just last week the creation of the C.A.T.S Foundation to help causes in her hometown of Checotah, Oklahoma. Privately funded, the C.A.T.S. Foundation will help with needs and services in the area of Checotah to directly impact the community. This is the first donation to the Checotah community from C.A.T.S.

Executives from the C.A.T.S. Foundation, ACM Lifting Lives and Checotah Public Schools including [left to right] Principal Brian Terry, Carrie Underwood, Erin Spahn Director of ACM Lifting Lives, and Gary Haber, President ACM Lifting Lives and Director & Treasurer C.A.T.S. were on hand at Checotah High School to surprise students with more than $117,000 in new music instruments, a joint gift from Underwood’s C.A.T.S. Foundation and ACM Lifting Lives.

ACM Entertainer of the Year, Carrie Underwood, performs with Checotah fifth-grader Kennedee Rittenhouse at a surprise assembly at Checotah High School as part of an appearance to surprise students with more than $117,000 in new music instruments, a joint gift from Underwood’s C.A.T.S. Foundation and ACM Lifting Lives.

The Grand Ole Opry is joining the fight against breast cancer by “going pink” during two Opry performances Fri., Oct. 2. On each of the night’s shows, Opry superstar Carrie Underwood will take the stage to “flip the switch,” turning the Opry’s signature barn backdrop pink in support of the groups Women Rock for the Cure and Susan G. Komen for the Cure®. The shows will also include performances from Underwood, Terri Clark, and other artists to be announced as well as special activities recognizing breast cancer survivors and the continuing fight against the disease.

Beginning today, when fans mention the code “OPRYPINK” when ordering tickets via telephone or when they enter the same code when purchasing tickets online, $5 from the sale of those tickets to the night’s shows will be donated to Women Rock for the Cure and the Greater Nashville affiliate of Susan G. Komen For The Cure. Or, to participate in the donation with a “Night at the Opry” package including Opry tickets and room accommodations at Gaylord Opryland Resort, refer to code GPINK. Tickets and packages may be purchased by calling (800) SEE-OPRY. Tickets are also available at opry.com.

The reigning CMA Male and Female Vocalists of the Year, Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood, will reunite to host “The 43rd Annual CMA Awards.” This will be the second consecutive time that Paisley and Underwood have hosted “Country Music’s Biggest Night.” “The 43rd Annual CMA Awards” airs live from the Sommet Center in Nashville, Wednesday, Nov. 11 (8:00-11:00 PM/ET) on the ABC Television Network.

“I am thrilled to get the chance to co-host the CMAs for a second time with my pal Carrie,” said Paisley. “This year we’ll pull out all the stops, like a miniature poodle balancing act, tightrope walking, and a new world record for the number of costume changes by my co-host. Don’t miss it!”

“I regret to inform Brad that I do not have a poodle, and I would appreciate it if he asks me permission before he tries on all my dresses this year,” responded Underwood. “But all kidding aside, I’m really excited to be hosting again this year with my friend, Brad, as we celebrate another wonderful year of Country Music! It’s going to be a great show!”

Carrie has received 5 CMA Awards in her young career, including three consecutive wins as Female Vocalist (2006-2008), as well as Single of the Year (2007 for “Before He Cheats”) and the Horizon Award (2006). After wrapping her 2008 concert tour with 1.2 million fans in attendance, Carrie launched into early 2009 as the first Country artist in history to achieve 10 No. 1 singles from their first two albums, when “I Told You So” became her tenth single to top a key sales or airplay chart and her fifth consecutive chart-topper from Carnival Ride. To date, Underwood, who has also won four Grammy Awards, is the U.S. best-selling “American Idol” winner with album sales over 10 million.

Carrie will release a new album on Nov. 3 on 19 Recordings/Arista Nashville with producer Mark Bright, who helmed 2007’s hit-filled Carnival Ride, as well as seven tracks (including four No. 1 singles ) from Underwood’s blockbuster 2005 debut, Some Hearts.

C.A.T.S. – Checotah Animal, Town, and School Foundation

Carrie has established a newly created fund to help with causes in her hometown area of Checotah, Oklahoma, the C.A.T.S. – Checotah Animal, Town, and School Foundation.

Carrie says, “My hometown is extremely supportive of me and I feel blessed to be able to create something as a way of giving back; to say thank you.”

Established in 2009, the C.A.T.S. Foundation will help with general causes, needs and services in the area of Checotah to directly impact the community. Private resources will fund the assistance. Information on the C.A.T.S. Foundation’s first donation to the Checotah community will be announced soon.

Honorees to perform at a special concert Sept. 17

ACM Entertainer of the Year, 4-time Grammy winner and Oklahoma music icon Carrie Underwood will be inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame in September, along with Oklahoma artists and performers Rocky Frisco and Ramona Reed.

The Class of 2009 Inductees will join other music performers and artists who have been recognized by the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame since 1997, including Vince Gill, Toby Keith, Merle Haggard, Wanda Jackson, Hank Thompson, The All American Rejects and David Gates.

The Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame announced its newest inductees at a news conference at the Tulsa Press Club. The three will perform at the 13th Annual Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony & Concert Sept. 17 at 7 p.m. The event is at the Muskogee Civic Center, 405 Boston Street.

“All three of this year’s inductees are worthy recipients of this honor. Each is recognized world wide for their musical talent, and we are proud that each calls Oklahoma home,” said Max Boydstun, Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame Board Chair.

“We are especially proud to induct our own Oklahoma idol Carrie Underwood and to offer the public a chance to experience the performances of all three inductees to celebrate their contribution to Oklahoma music history and culture,” he added.

To date, the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame & Museum has honored more than 50 individuals or groups for their talents and contributions to the music industry, including inductees into the prestigious Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame.

In addition to the Class of 2009 Inductees, the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame announced it will present C.H. Parker with the coveted Governor’s Award, an honor given only three times in the past.

Reserved seats for the Concert & Induction tickets will be on pre-sale to existing members of the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame between Aug. 18 and 21. If you would like to join the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame and participate in early ticket sales, go to www.omhof.com or www.oklahomamusichalloffame.com to complete an application form. Or call 918-687-0800 for membership information.

Tickets for reserved seating will be offered to the public starting Aug. 22. Tickets will be available online at www.omhof.com and at the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame and Museum office by calling 918-697-0800. Ticket prices range from $39.95 to $79.95, plus handling charges.

VIP tickets, which include an invitation to a VIP reception prior to the Concert & Induction ceremony, also are available. Call the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame at 1-918-687-0800 for details. Sponsorship packages are also available.

Excitement is high with news that November 10 will be the release date for Carrie Underwood’s yet-to-be-titled third album.

Released on 19 Recordings/Arista Nashville, Carrie’s upcoming album will continue her amazing collaboration with producer Mark Bright, who helmed 2007’s hit-filled Carnival Ride, as well as seven tracks from Carrie’s blockbuster debut, Some Hearts.

Earlier this year, Carrie became the first country artist in history to achieve 10 #1 singles from their first two albums when “I Told You So” became the fifth consecutive chart-topper from Carnival Ride, which also included the smash, “Just a Dream,” and three hits Carrie co-wrote: “All-American Girl,” “So Small,” and “Last Name.”

The reigning ACM Entertainer of the Year and three-time, reigning ACM and CMA Female Vocalist is currently in the process of recording her new project, with a new single expected to arrive at radio late this summer.

The only American Idol winner ever to achieve 10 #1 hits, Carrie’s collection of chart-toppers began with the instant success of her post-American Idol single, “Inside Your Heaven,” which debuted atop Billboard’s Hot 100 chart in the summer of 2005. It was the first of five #1s to top the BDS or Mediabase charts from her 7x-Platinum debut, Some Hearts, with the others including the GRAMMY-winning “Jesus, Take the Wheel” and “Before He Cheats,” as well as “Don’t Forget to Remember Me” and “Wasted.”